Human FGF-4 Antibody

FGF-4, the product of a developmentally regulated gene (hst-1), is a member of the FGF family that is efficiently secreted. The gene for FGF-4 (also known as FGFK or K-FGF for Kaposi sarcoma-associated FGF) was initially discovered as a transforming gene by the NIH-3T3 focus formation assay using DNA derived from human tumors (including stomach and colon cancers, hepatocellular carcinomas, and Kaposi’s sarcomas). FGF-4 does not seem to be expressed in normal adult tissues. However, expression of the gene is spatially and temporally regulated during embryonic development. The murine homologue of human FGF-4 has been cloned and shown to be 82% homologous to the human protein at the amino acid sequence level. Human FGF-4 has been shown to exhibit cross species activity.

In vitro, FGF-4 is mitogenic for fibroblasts and endothelial cells. FGF-4 has been shown to be a potent angiogenesis promoter in vivo. FGF-4 has potent transforming potential apparently through an autocrine mechanism of action. FGF-4 plays a key role in limb development and has been identified as the molecular mediator of the activities of the apical ectodermal ridge that is required for directing the outgrowth and patterning of vertebrate limbs.